Methods of treating hair

ABSTRACT

Methods for treating hair are disclosed. Formulations for use in the methods for treating hair comprising bioactive glass compositions and a suitable carrier are also disclosed. The methods disclosed involve application of hair treatment formulations to hair which formulations include bioactive glass compositions which may comprise non-interlinked particles of bioactive glass or bioactive glass extract, and a carrier, and/or optional components useful in hair treatment formulations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to compositions and methods of use in thetreatment of hair.

2. Background

Hair is composed of a class of natural fibrous proteins called keratin.This is the same kind of protein that makes up the nails and the outerlayer of skin. The softer keratins are components of the external layersof skin, wool, hair and feathers, while the harder types predominate innails, claws and hoofs. A cross section taken through a terminal hairshaft reveals two distinct components, the cuticle and the cortex. Thecuticle is the outermost surface of the hair shaft and is composed of avery hard keratinous substance, while the inner bulk of the hair iscomposed of a more fibrous keratin and is known as the cortex. A thirdelement, the medulla, is composed of a softer keratin-rich material andits occurrence in human hair appears to be variable, and is typicallyfound in large, thick hairs.

Chemically, keratin is an insoluble proteinaceous complex composed ofhigh molecular weight polypeptide chains. These polypeptide chains arecomposed of a series of amino acids joined head-to-tail by peptidelinkages, the actual properties of the polypeptide being determined bythe number, type and order of amino acids in the chain. Typically,keratins are insoluble in organic solvents but do absorb and hold water.

The cuticle of hair generally consists of flattened platelets ofamorphous keratin, wrapped around the hair shaft in several layers, eachlayer overlapping the adjacent one progressing from the root of the hairto its tip. The condition of the cuticle is responsible for the outwardappearance of the hair and dictates the attributes of feel and shine. Invirgin hair, the cuticle platelets lay flat against each other and arefirmly adhered to the cortex, giving rise to a very smooth feelingsurface with a high degree of shine. If the hair is subjected toenvironmental or physical damage, the cuticle platelets can becomechipped, raised or even detached completely, exposing the cortexunderneath. This gives rise to hair in poor condition, which feels roughto the touch and is dull in appearance.

The most frequent cause of hair damage is mechanical abrasion, typicallycombing or brushing, often in combination with the use of hair treatmentproducts such as perming lotions, colorants or even shampoos. The extentof physical damage depends, to a large extent, on the coefficient offriction between the comb or brush and the surface of the hair itself.This value rises dramatically if the hair is wet with the consequencethat far more damage is normally inflicted to the hair if it is combedor brushed when wet, rather than when dry. The cuticle of the hair isalso responsible for the water repellent properties of the hair. If thecuticle is badly damaged or removed completely, water rapidly penetratesthe cortex which subsequently swells, making the hair more prone tofurther mechanical damage.

Various compositions and methods have been used to prevent or treatdamaged hair. U.S. Pat. No. 3,864,475, for example, relates to a methodof treating human hair to enhance softness and improve the generalappearance by intimately contacting the hair with an aqueous treatingcomposition containing water and a catalytically effective amount of acatalyst. The catalyst may be prepared by admixing a water solublealkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing a dissolvedsubstance which is source of calcium ion and a dissolved substance whichis a source of magnesium ion to produce a finely divided or colloidalsuspension of the reaction product. The colloidal suspension is thenagitated sufficiently in the presence of a micelle-forming surfactant toform catalyst-containing micellees.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,581 relates to the treatment of degraded hair by useof cosmetic compositions containing at least one cationic polymer and atleast one non-toxic salt of a divalent metal.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,168 teaches compositions and methods for treatinghair using an aqueous composition of at least 1% by weight total of oneor more polyvalent metal compounds; a sulfur-containing material thathas an average molecular weight of 10,000 or less that can formdisulfide bonds involving the keratin of the hair, and whose sulfurcontent is at least about 1% by weight, and optionally, an acid.

There is a continuing need in the art for a hair treatment andcomposition which builds body in hair end provides smooth, silky hair.The methods and compositions of the present invention provide suchcompositions and treatment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Methods for treating hair are disclosed. These methods include treatinghair with bioactive glass compositions which comprises particulatebioactive glass or bioactive glass extracts. The bioactive glasscompositions may further comprise a carrier and/or optional componentsuseful in hair treatment formulations.

In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises applying aneffective hair-enhancing amount of a bioactive glass composition to thehair for a sufficient amount of time such that the hair is coated withthe bioactive glass composition. The coating comprises a film comprisingsilicon, calcium, and/or phosphorus ions which may interact with thehair. Additionally, sodium or other ions released from the bioactiveglass composition may be present. The hair after application of thebioactive glass composition is smooth and silky with increased body.

In another aspect of the invention, the method comprises applying aneffective hair-enhancing amount of bioactive glass extract(s) (solutionswith ions and substantially no particles) to the hair for a sufficientamount of time such that the hair is coated with a precipitated film orcoating comprising silicon, phosphorous and calcium. Additionally,sodium or other ions released from the bioactive glass extracts may bepresent.

In another aspect of the invention, the method comprises applying ashampoo or conditioner to hair, the shampoo or conditioner comprising aneffective hair-enhancing amount of a bioactive glass composition whichmay comprise non-interlinked particles of bioactive glass or bioactiveglass extract.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph at amagnification of 500× showing film formation on hair after treatmentwith the bioactive glass and tris buffer formulation of Group #1described in the Example.

FIG. 2 is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph at amagnification of 4500× showing film formation on hair after treatmentwith the bioactive glass and tris buffer formulation of Group #1described in the Example.

FIG. 3 is an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) spectrum showing thepresence of silicon, calcium and phosphorus on hair after treatment withthe bioactive glass and tris buffer formulation of Group #1 described inthe Example.

FIG. 4 is a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrumwhich illustrates that the calcium and phosphorus in the film are in theform of crystalline hydroxyapatite.

FIG. 5 is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph at amagnification of 500× showing film formation on hair after treatmentwith the bioactive glass extract formulation of Group #2 described inthe Example.

FIG. 6 is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph at amagnification of 4500× showing film formation on hair after treatmentwith the bioactive glass extract formulation of Group #2 described inthe Example.

FIG. 7 is an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) spectrum showing thepresence of silicon, calcium and phosphorus on hair after treatment withthe bioactive glass extract formulation of Group #2 described in theExample.

FIG. 8 is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph at amagnification of 500× showing lack of film formation on hair aftertreatment with the tris buffer control for Groups #1 and #2 described inthe Example.

FIG. 9 is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph at amagnification of 4500× showing lack of film formation on hair aftertreatment with the tris buffer control for Groups #1 and #2 described inthe Example.

FIG. 10 is an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) spectrum showing theabsence of silicon, calcium and phosphorus on hair after treatment withthe tris buffer control for Groups #1 and #2 described in the Example.

FIG. 11 is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph at amagnification of 500× showing film formation on hair after treatmentwith the bioactive glass, tris buffer and shampoo formulation of Group#3 described in the Example.

FIG. 12 is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph at amagnification of 4500× showing film formation on hair after treatmentwith the bioactive glass, tris buffer and shampoo formulation of Group#3 described in the Example.

FIG. 13 is an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) spectrum showing thepresence of silicon, calcium and phosphorus on hair after treatment withthe bioactive glass, tris buffer and shampoo formulation of Group #3described in the Example.

FIG. 14 is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph at amagnification of 500× showing film formation on hair after treatmentwith the bioactive glass extract and shampoo formulation of Group #4described in the Example.

FIG. 15 is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph at amagnification of 4500× showing film formation on hair after treatmentwith the bioactive glass extract and shampoo formulation of Group #4described in the Example.

FIG. 16 is an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) spectrum showing thepresence of silicon, calcium and phosphorus on hair after treatment withthe bioactive glass extract and shampoo formulation of Group #4described in the Example.

FIG. 17 is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph at amagnification of 500× showing lack of film formation on hair aftertreatment with the tris buffer and shampoo control for Groups #3 and #4described in the Example.

FIG. 18 is a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph at amagnification of 4500× showing lack of film formation on hair aftertreatment with the tris buffer and shampoo control for Groups #3 and #4described in the Example.

FIG. 19 is an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) spectrum showing theabsence of silicon, calcium and phosphorus on hair after treatment withthe tris buffer control for Groups #3 and #4 described in the Example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The hair treatment methods of the present invention involve applicationto hair of bioactive glass compositions comprising particulate bioactiveglass or bioactive glass extract. The treatment provides a film on thehair which results in hair with greater body, smoothness and silkiness.The hair treated may be hair from or on any mammal such as hair on dogsor cats, but preferably will be human hair.

As used herein, the terms “bioactive glass” or “biologically activeglass” mean an inorganic glass material having an oxide of silicon asits major component and which is capable of bonding with growing tissuewhen reacted with physiological fluids.

Bioactive glasses are well known to those skilled in the art, and aredisclosed, for example, in An Introduction to Bioceramics, L. Hench andJ. Wilson, etds. World Scientific, New Jersey (1993). The bioactiveglass of the present invention typically will contain about 40 to about86% by weight of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), about 0 to about 35% by weightof sodium oxide (Na₂O), about 4 to about 46% by weight calcium oxide(CaO), and about 1 to about 15% by weight phosphorus oxide (P₂O₅).Preferably, the silicon dioxide is present in an amount of about 40 toabout 68% by weight, the sodium oxide is present in an amount of about 5to about 30% by weight, the calcium oxide is present in an amount ofabout 10 to about 35% by weight and the phosphorus oxide is present inan amount of about 1 to about 12% by weight. The oxides may be presentas solid solutions or mixed oxides, or as mixture of oxides.

One or more of CaF₂, B₂O₃, Al₂O₃, MgO and K₂O may be included in thecomposition in addition to silicon, sodium, calcium and phosphorusoxides. The B₂O₃ may be present in an amount of about 0 to 10% byweight, the K₂O may be present in an amount of about 0 to about 8% byweight, the Al₂O₃ may be present in an amount of about 0 to about 4% byweight, the MgO may be present in an amount of about 0 to about 5% byweight and the CaF₂ may be present in an amount of about 0 to about 30%by weight.

One preferred glass is Bioglass® 45S5, which has a composition includingabout 45% by weight silicon dioxide (SiO₂), about 24.5% by weight sodiumoxide (Na₂O), about 6% phosphorus oxide (P₂O₅), and about 24.5% byweight calcium oxide (CaO).

The bioactive glass of the bioactive glass compositions may be used ineither particulate or extract form. Preferably, where particulatebioactive glass is used, particulate, non-interlinked bioactive glass isselected. This glass is in the form of small, discrete particles, ratherthan a fused matrix of particles or a mesh or fabric (woven ornon-woven) of glass fibers. Under some conditions the discrete particlesof the bioactive glass may tend to cling together because ofelectrostatic or other forces but these particles are still consideredto be non-interlinked. Typically, the average particle size is about 90microns or less. Preferably, the average particle size is less thanabout 20 microns, or, more preferably, less than about 5 microns, andeven more preferably less than about 1 micron. Particle size, as usedherein, is measured by SEM or other optical microscopy techniques, or bylaser light scattering techniques (i.e., using a Coulter counter).

The bioactive glass may be prepared in any way known to those of skillin the art. For example, the bioactive glass may be provided asmelt-derived glass, sol-gel derived glass or sintered glass particles.The sintered particles may be in sol-gel derived, or pre-reacted meltderived form. Melt derived glass typically is prepared by mixing grainsof oxides or carbonates, melting and homogenizing the mixtures at hightemperatures, generally about 1250 to about 1400° C. The molten glasscan be fritted and milled to produce a small particulate material.Sol-gel derived glass is typically prepared by synthesizing an inorganicnetwork by mixing metal alkoxides in solution, followed by hydrolysis,gelation, and low temperature (less than about 1000° C.) firing toproduce glass.

The bioactive glass may also be used in extract form. An extract ofbioactive glass is a solution of ions derived from bioactive glass.Typically, the solution of bioactive glass comprises ions andsubstantially no particles. By solution is included solutions,suspensions and dispersions of bioactive glass. For example, an extractof bioactive glass may be formed from a solution made by reactingbioactive glass particles in an appropriate solvent such as water ortris buffer for an appropriate amount of time to create a solution ofbioactive glass. The solution may then be filtered and used as abioactive glass extract which is substantially particle free. The ratioof ions in solution will depend on the bioactive glass starting materialand the amount of time it reacts in solution. The ion ratios may becontrolled by use of various bioactive glass materials or by varying thereaction time.

The bioactive glass or bioactive glass exact typically will be applieddirectly to hair in conjunction with a carrier. The carrier may beaqueous or nonaqueous. The carrier preferably will be aqueous, alcoholbased or other organic carriers or combinations thereof. Alternatively,cosmetic compositions can be provided in the form of aerosol sprays,foams or gels. While the ratio of bioactive glass to carrier is notcritical, the bioactive glass composition will typically be about 0.5 toabout 20% of the total bioactive glass/carrier formulation, includingany optional components. Preferably, the amount of bioactive glass inthe total composition will be about 2 to about 10%.

The bioactive glass or bioactive glass extract composition generallywill be provided in an effective hair-enhancing amount. An effective,hair-enhancing amount is an amount capable of providing a thin film orcoating on the hair of bioactive glass or ions from the bioactive glasswhich are believed to interact with the keratin in the hair to providebeneficial qualities to the hair. Typically, these ions will be calcium,silicon and/or phosphorus. Other ions which may be present, depending onthe composition of the bioactive glass, include sodium, magnesium,potassium, zinc, copper or silver, among others. The thin film typicallywill be about 0.1 to about 5 microns thick. Preferably, the thin filmformed on the hair will be about 0.3 to about 2 microns thick.

Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the applicationof bioactive glass or bioactive glass extract composition according tothe methods herein causes a layer of hydroxyapatite or other calciumphosphate crystals to form on the hair surface. Moreover, the ions fromthe bioactive glass are believed to penetrate layers of the hair to formhydroxyapatite crystals within the layers of the hair and may penetratelayers of the hair to form chemical bonds bridging the layers of thecuticle.

The bioactive glass or bioactive glass extract composition generallywill be applied to the hair for a time sufficient to treat the hair.Typically, this time will allow a coating or film to form or precipitateonto the hair. The ions in the coating may then interact with the hairto enhance the hair. In general, the time needed is about the timetypically used to shampoo the hair, although a longer time may be used.The methods for treating hair of the invention may involve use of a hairtreatment formulation which is removed or washed off after use, or ahair treatment formulation such as a gel, mousse, cream, lotion, airinfused styling foam or spray formulation which is left on afterapplication.

In one aspect of the invention, the bioactive glass or bioactive glassextract is applied to hair in a carrier in a rinse type of formulation.In other aspects of the invention, the bioactive glass or bioactiveglass extract composition is applied to hair in a shampoo or conditionerformulation. Such formulations are well known in the art. Application ofthe bioactive glass composition to the hair is believed to build body inthe hair, and make hair smooth and silky. The methods of the inventionmay be used to prevent or repair damage to the hair caused bymechanical, chemical or environmental factors.

The hair treatment of the present invention may also impart a beneficialanti-microbial or anti-fungal activity for the hair, scalp or skin. Suchtreatment may be useful against microbes such as B. subtilis, S. aureus,P. aureginosa, C. albicans, A. niger, E. coli, A. altemata, and C.xerosis. The hair treatment methods of the invention may also be used toimprove curl retention, color receptivity, color stability, colorretention, shine, and/or strength.

The hair treatment formulations of the present invention may furthercomprise one or more optional components known for use in shampoo orconditioning compositions, provided that the optional components arephysically and chemically compatible with the bioactive glasscomposition described herein, or do not otherwise unduly impair productstability, aesthetics or performance. Concentrations of such optionalcomponents typically range from about 0.001% to about 10% by weight ofthe total composition.

Optional components include anti-static agents, dyes, organic solventsor diluents, pearlescent aids, foam boosters, surfactants orcosurfactants (nonionic, cationic, zwitterionic), pediculocides, pHadjusting agents, perfumes, preservatives, proteins, skin active agents,suspending agents, styling polymers, sunscreens, thickeners, vitamins,biotin, collagen, amino acids, protein hydrolyzates, herbals,penetration enhancers, permeation/binding agents, and viscosityadjusting agents. This list of optional components is not meant to beexclusive, and other optional components can be used.

The hair treatment methods of the invention preferably use compositionsmaintained at a pH appropriate for the particular application.Typically, the pH will be below about 10; preferably, the pH will bebetween about 3 and about 9.

The invention will now be more fully explained by the followingexamples. However, the scope of the invention is not intended to belimited to these examples.

EXAMPLE

Four compositions were prepared and tested to evaluate the use ofbioactive glass particulates, extracts and shampoo solutions. Thebioactive glass used was Bioglass™ 45S5 powder with a particle size lessthan about 20 μm. These compositions are detailed in Table I. Twocontrol formulations were also prepared and tested. The first controlformulation corresponded with Groups #1 and #2 and contained only trisbuffer. The second control formulation corresponded with Groups #3 and#4 and contained tris buffer and shampoo. These control formulationswere viewed by SEM/EDS, with the results shown in FIGS. 8-10 and 17-19.TABLE I Bioactive glass extract Tris Buffer Shampoo Bioactive (200 ml of15 wt % (200 ml) (0.5 cc) glass (0.3 g) solution) Group ✓ ✓ #1 Group ✓#2 Group ✓ ✓ ✓ #3 Group ✓ ✓ #4

Procedures:

Group #1—Tris Buffer and Bioactive Glass Particulate

-   -   1. 200 ml of tris buffer solution was delivered into a 500 ml        flask and placed into a controlled temperature orbital shaker        set at 37° C. and 200 RPM.    -   2. 0.3 grams of bioactive glass particulate with a particle size        less than about 20 μm was placed into the preheated solution.    -   3. 0.25 grams of human hair was attached to a large piece of        inert glass with a rubber band and placed into the tris        buffer/bioactive glass suspension.    -   4. The sample was allowed to react for 20 hours and then was        removed and thoroughly rinsed with high purity deionized water.    -   5. The sample was allowed to dry and mounted for SEM/EDS        analysis or used for FTIR analysis.

Group #2—Bioactive Glass Extract

-   -   1. 90.0 grams of bioactive glass particulate with a particle        size less than about 20 μm and 510.0 ml of tris buffer solution        were allowed to vortex in a 1000 ml beaker for two hours at room        temperature.    -   2. The solution was then filtered to form a 15.0 wt. % bioactive        glass extract.    -   3. 0.25 grams of human hair was attached to a large piece of        inert glass with a rubber band and placed into the bioactive        glass extract solution.    -   4. The sample was allowed to react for 20 hours and then was        removed and thoroughly rinsed with high purity deionized water.    -   5. The sample was allowed to dry and mounted for SEM/EDS        analysis.

Group #3—Tris Buffer and Bioactive Glass Particulate with Shampoo

This procedure was identical to group # 1 with the addition of 0.5 cc ofSuave Clarifying Shampoo with ammonium lauryl sulfate to the trisbuffer/bioactive glass suspension.

Group #4—Bioactive Glass Extract with Shampoo

This procedure was identical to the group # 3 procedure with theaddition of 0.5 cc of Suave Clarifying Shampoo with ammonium laurylsulfate to the bioactive glass extract solution.

Results:

Group #1—Tris Buffer and Bioactive Glass Particulate

The SEM/EDS and FTIR results for group #1 are presented in FIGS. 1, 2, 3and 4. The SEM micrographs indicate that a substantial film has beenformed on the hair surface after reaction in tris buffer and bioactiveglass particulate. Magnification to 4500× indicates that this film isnon-uniform in coverage of the hair surface. The EDS analysis indicatesthe presence of Si, Ca, Na and P, which is not seen in the Group 1 and 2control in FIG. 10. The presence of Si may indicate that some bioactiveglass particulate may be present or that a soluble form of silicon hasbeen incorporated on the hair surface.

Group #2—Bioactive Glass Extract

The SEM/EDS results for group #2 are presented in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. TheSEM micrographs indicate that a film has been formed on the hair surfaceafter reaction in tris buffer and bioactive glass extract solution.Magnification to 4500× as shown in FIG. 6 indicates that this film isnon-uniform in coverage of the hair surface. The film appears to be moredense on the edges of the cuticle scales of the hair structure. The EDSanalysis of FIG. 7 indicates the presence of Si, Ca, Na and P, which isnot seen in the Group 1 and 2 control in FIG. 10. The presence of Si mayindicate that soluble form of silicon has been incorporated on the hairsurface, as there are no bioactive glass particles in this filteredsolution. The presence of Al is an artifact due to the aluminum mountused for SEM/EDS analysis.

Group #3—Tris Buffer and Bioactive Glass Particulate with Shampoo

The SEM/EDS results for group #3 are presented in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13.The SEM micrographs indicate that a transparent film has been formed onthe hair surface after reaction in the tris buffer, bioactive glassparticulate and shampoo mixture. Magnification to 4500× in FIG. 12indicates that this film is uniform in coverage of the hair surface. Thelinear cracks seen in the micrographs were formed during the SEManalysis. These cracks could be seen growing as the image was focused inthe process of acquiring the micrograph. The EDS analysis indicates thepresence of Si, Ca, Na and P, which is not seen in the Group 3 and 4control in FIG. 19.

Group #4—Bioactive Glass Extract with Shampoo

The SEM/EDS results for group #4 are presented in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16.The SEM micrographs indicate that a transparent film has been formed onthe hair surface after reaction in the tris buffer, bioactive glassextract and shampoo mixture. Magnification to 4500× in FIG. 15 indicatesthat this film is uniform in coverage of the hair surface. The linearcracks seen in the micrographs were formed during the SEM analysis.These cracks could be seen growing as the image was focused in theprocess of acquiring the micrograph. The extent of the cracking was lessfor this group than seen for the group #3 sample. The EDS analysisindicates the presence of Si, Ca, Na and P, which is not seen in theGroup 3 and 4 control in FIG. 19. The EDS analysis also indicates thatthis transparent film is thicker for this groups than the group #3sample indicated by the significant reduction in the S peak at 2.30 keVand the significant increase in the alpha Ca peak at 3.75 keV. Thisincrease in thickness could explain the reduction in cracking seen forthis group as compared to the group #3 sample. The cause for thisdifference in thickness and dimensional stability of this transparentlayer is unknown at this time.

The data presented indicates that both bioactive glass suspensions andextracts in tris buffer (groups #1 and #2) have the ability to delivercalcium, phosphorus and silicon to the hair surface. The SEM/EDSanalysis indicates that a non-continuous film is being formed on thesurface of the hair and is thicker on the edges of the cuticle scales ofthe hair structure. The FTIR analysis from group #1 shown in FIG. 4indicates that the calcium and phosphorus are in the form of crystallinehydroxyapatite. The data also indicates that the morphology of this filmchanges with the addition of a commercial shampoo. The resulting film iscontinuous and transparent in nature, as seen with Groups #3 and #4. TheEDS analysis indicates that this film contains calcium, phosphorus andsilicon and is thicker in the extract solution Group #4 than thesuspension group #3 mixed with shampoo. Thus, the data shows thatbioactive glass interacts with human hair.

While the invention has been described with preferred embodiments, it isto be understood that variations and modifications may be resorted to aswill be apparent to thee skilled in the art.

1. A method for treating hair comprising applying a bioactive glasscomposition in an effective hair-enhancing amount to the hair for asufficient time to form a coating on the hair comprising silicon,calcium and/or phosphorus ions.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein thecoating on the hair further comprises sodium ions.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the bioactive glass composition comprises a carrier andnon-interlinked particles of bioactive glass comprising about 40 toabout 86% by weight of SiO₂, about 4 to about 46% by weight CaO andabout 1 to about 15% by weight P₂0₅.
 4. The method of claim 3 whereinthe bioactive glass composition has a pH below about
 10. 5. The methodof claim 3 wherein the bioactive glass composition has a pH betweenabout 3 and about
 9. 6. The method of claim 4 wherein thenon-interlinked particles have a particle size less than about 90microns.
 7. The method of claim 4 wherein the non-interlinked particleshave a particle size less than about 20 microns.
 8. The method of claim4 wherein the non-interlinked particles have a particle size less thanabout 5 microns.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the bioactive glasscomposition comprises non-interlinked particles of bioactive glasscomprising about 40 to about 68% by weight of SiO₂, about 10 to about35% by weight CaO, about 1 to about 12% by weight P₂O₅ and about 5 toabout 30% by weight Na₂O.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the coatingis about 0.1 to about 5 microns thick.
 11. The method of claim 1 whereinthe bioactive glass composition comprises bioactive glass extract and acarrier.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the hair is human hair. 13.The method of claim 1 wherein the hair is damaged hair.
 14. A method fortreating hair comprising applying to the hair a hair treatmentformulation comprising a carrier and an effective hair-enhancing amountof a bioactive glass composition comprising either non-interlinkedparticles of bioactive glass or a bioactive glass extract.
 15. Themethod of claim 14 wherein the bioactive glass composition comprisesnon-interlinked particles of bioactive glass comprising about 40 toabout 86% by weight of SiO₂, about 4 to about 46% by weight CaO andabout 1 to about 15% by weight P₂O₅.
 16. The method of claim 14 whereinthe bioactive glass composition comprises bioactive glass extractcomprising a solution of bioactive glass comprising about 40 to about86% by weight of SiO₂, about 4 to about 46% by weight CaO and about 1 toabout 15% by weight P₂O₅.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein the hairtreatment formulation is a shampoo or conditioner and the method furthercomprises rinsing the shampoo or conditioner out of the hair.
 18. Themethod of claim 14 wherein the hair treatment formulation is a gel,mousse, cream, lotion, air infused styling foam or spray composition andthe method further comprises leaving the hair treatment formulation onthe hair.
 19. The method of claim 14 wherein the hair treatmentformulation is applied to damaged hair.
 20. The method of claim 14wherein the hair treatment formulation further comprises anti-staticagents, dyes, organic solvents or diluents, pearlescent aids, foamboosters, surfactants or cosurfactants, pediculocides, pH adjustingagents, perfumes, preservatives, proteins, skin active agents,suspending agents, styling polymers, sunscreens, thickeners, vitamins,biotin, collagen, amino acids, protein hydrolyzates, herbals,penetration enhancers, permeation/binding agents, or viscosity adjustingagents.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the bioactive glasscomposition is present in an amount of about 2 to about 10% of the totalcomposition.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the pH is between about3 and about
 9. 23. A method for treating hair comprising applying acomposition comprising an effective, hair-enhancing amount of bioactiveglass particles to the hair surface for a sufficient amount of time toprovide that a layer of hydroxyapatite or other calcium phosphatecrystals are formed on the hair surface and ions from the bioactiveglass penetrate layers of the hair to form hydroxyapatite crystalswithin the layers of the hair.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein thecomposition comprising the bioactive glass particles further comprisesan aqueous carrier and is applied to hair damaged by mechanical,chemical or environmental factors.
 25. The method of claim 23, whereinthe composition comprising the bioactive glass particles furthercomprises an aqueous carrier and is applied to hair to prevent damage bymechanical, chemical or environmental factors.
 26. The method of claim23 wherein the composition is applied to the hair to improve curlretention, color receptivity, color stability, color retention, shine,and/or strength.
 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the compositionfurther comprises biotin, collagen, amino acids, proteins, proteinhydrolyzates, vitamins, herbals, penetration enhancers,permeation/binding agents, dyes or fragrances.
 28. The method of claim23, wherein the average particle size of the bioactive glass particlesis less than about 20 microns.
 29. The method of claim 23, wherein theaverage particle size of the bioactive glass particles is less thanabout 5 microns.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the averageparticle size of the bioactive glass particles is less than about 1micron.
 31. The method of claim 23, wherein the composition comprisingbioactive glass particles comprises non-interlinked particles ofbioactive glass comprising about 40 to about 68% by weight of SiO₂,about 10 to about 35% by weight CaO, about 1 to about 12% by weight P₂O₅and about 5 to about 30% by weight Na₂O.
 32. The composition of claim 27wherein the bioactive glass particles are present in the composition inan amount of about 0.5 to about 20 percent by weight of saidcomposition.
 33. The method of claim 23, wherein the hair is human hair.34. The method of claim 23 wherein the hair is dog or cat hair.